Shoes - a new design

ABSTRACT

A new design, applicable to most shoe types, having isolated, compressible rubber cushions as the only contact points with the ground. These cushions, usually 4 in number, are attached at only key points to an overlying flexible skeleton, made of a durable but bendable support structure. The ‘skeleton’ in turn is affixed to an overlying compressible ‘mattress’. This entire structure, consisting of compressible mattress, skeleton, and cushions duplicates the arch of the foot. Under the force of walking, running, etc. the rubber cushions will compress to absorb the force of the step. The overlying skeleton will also absorb energy by bowing convex downward at the toes, middle, and heel of the foot. Similarly the air space of the overlying mattress will also be compressed, absorbing pressure. Upon lifting the foot, the opposite actions will occur, releasing energy in an upward and forward direction, and thereby both lifting and propelling the foot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a novel contact surface and supportstructure for a shoe. Shoes are almost universal apparel, worn for bothappearance and function. This varies from walking, running, jumping,etc. and are used by both athletes and amputees. This invention seeks toenhance and complement the normal structure and function of the foot,rather than merely surround it in a box.

The human foot is a dynamic structure intended to contact the found atpredominantly two areas—the heel (talo-calcaneous) and themetatarsal-phalangeal joints (MT) and metatarsal heads. These structuresare strongly formed and well supported by ligaments, tendons, andconnective tissue. In contrast the toes (phalanges) and metatarsals (M)are lightweight, and weekly formed and protected. They are easilybruised, sprained, and broken.

A traditional shoe provides some arch support, but transmits force toboth the toes and metatarsal areas in a crushing manner. The submittedinvention prevents, or minimizes, this injury by minimizing contact withthe toes and M areas, and instead transmitting all force to sturdyareas. This is accomplished through contact pads located over the heeland metatarsal heads/MT areas. Stress on the foot is also minimized bythe pad compressibility and mattress, in addition to the coiling of theskeleton. Because of the form of the skeleton, consisting of twoindependent portions inserting separately and at different points intothe compressible pads, the energy captured on downward contact gives alift and forward thrust upon lifting the foot, with the MT essentiallyaction as a fulcrum.

The presented invention would be a notable advance in the field,enhancing comfort and athletic performance while minimizing injury.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The inventor of the above shoe is a physician with a public health groupand a marathon runner. Dr. Held has personally experienced thefrustrations of currently available shoes, providing health care to manypatients with foot and leg problems, diabetes, obesity, circulatory andneurological problems.

This novel shoe design is lighter in weight that the traditional, andalso less expensive. The compressible rubber cushions are replaceable,thereby creating ‘reusuable shoes.’ Replacement should rarely be needed,as the underlying contact surface of the cushions is very sturdy, Thecontact cushions can be scored or imprinted on the bottom, maximizingtraction or other functions. The cushions are screwed into the aboveskeleton, or possibly snapped with female and male portions, emphasizingreusability. The form of the cushions may vary to serve differentfunctions—as tennis, basketball, running, walking. etc.

The skeleton is structured of either polyethylene, lightweight metal,plastic, polyvinyl, composite, etc. Its form is perforated in thecenter, or potentially could be constructed in a ‘rebar’ type structure.This structure will be durable, but also allows bendability in thecenter to maximize comfort and efficiency.

The invention allows great variety of the ‘foot cover’, providing bothcomfort and attractive design.

The invention can be personalized to an individual's foot structure orneeds and pressure points through creating a unique set of cushions,skeleton, and overlying mattress.

The invention possesses other objects and advantages, especially asconcerns particular characteristics and features thereof which willbecome apparent as review and specification coutinues.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a side view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a view from below the shoe.

FIG. 3 is a view from above (or below) one layer of the mattress.

FIG. 4 is a view from below the back portion of the skeleton.

FIG. 5 is a view from below the front part of the skeleton.

FIG. 6 is a side view of the contact cushion

DETAILED DEXCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF INVENTION

Various aspects of the invention will evolve from the following detaileddescription of the preferred embodiments thereof, which should bereferenced to the prior described drawings. This is especially expectedto occur if this novel invention is adapted to mass production.

The essence of this invention is 4 components:

1- The invention, FIG.
 1. 2- The mattress support (3) in FIG.
 1. This isshaped in the form of the arch of the foot and is continuous from toe toheel. The mattress may vary in thickness from ¼ inch to ¾ inch,depending upon the type of shoe. The mattress consists of 2 to 5 layers,(13) in FIG.
 3. The layers are affixed together with adhesive at theircorresponding edges. Each layer is in the form of a monolayer of solidspheres, taking the form of a ‘bubble pack’. The layers can be made fromsoft rubber, gel, nylon, soft plastic, etc. In affixing the layers,spaces are created between the spheres, which become distorted orpartially obliterated upon compression with walking. 3- Compressiblerubber cushions as (4,5) in FIG. 1 and (8,9,10,11) in FIG.
 2. Thecushions serve as the only contact points with the ground below. Theyare of thickness from ¼ to 1 inch, depending on the type of shoe. Theundersurface may be scored, or patterned depending on the function. Thecushions are attached to the above skeleton at the key points of thetalus-calcaneus and secondly at the metatarsal heads/MT joints in FIG. 1by short but sturdy bolts or interlocking male-female parts: (8,9,10) inFIG. 2 into (32,33,34) in FIG.
 5. (15,16,17) in FIG. 2 into (20,21,22)in FIG.
 4. (18, 19) in FIG. 2 into (23,24) in FIG.
 4. Alternatively,contact could be with adhesive, staples, etc. Each cushion (FIG. 6) ismade of a durable undersurface (29) and a softer, compressible upperportion (28). 4- The skeletal support of the shoe, (6,7), in FIG. 1,consists of 2 separate parts, FIGS. 4 and
 5. Each part is separatelyattached to the rubber cushions below (as in claim #3.) In FIG. 4, theback portion of the skeleton is configured to duplicate the arch of thefoot. In FIG. 4, (25.26.27) are solid but bendable, but (30, 31) areempty spaces. This structure is duplicated in FIG. 5, the toe portion ofthe skeleton, but with different dimensions. The skeleton can be made ofdifferent materials, including plastic, composite, graphite,polyethylene, etc. The skeleton will bow downward under the force ofcontacting the surface, acting both as a Dynamic cushion andunidirectional spring. Each part of the skeleton, FIGS. 4 and 5, issurrounded by a flexible rubber casing, and affixed to the mattress, 3in FIG. 1, by various possible adhesives. Accessory, common componentsof the invention include #2 in FIG. 1 (a thin comfortable cloth cushion)and #1 in FIG. 1 (the shoe cover.) The shoe cover is attached to thebottom surface of the skeleton. While in the foregoing, embodiments ofthe present invention have been set forth in great detail for thepurpose of making a complete disclosure of the invention. It may beapparent, to those of skill in the art that numerous changes may be madein such detail without departing from the spirit and principles of theinvention.